'Islands in the Stream'

This endlessly upbeat love song has Rogers and Parton inviting each other to "sail away with me to another world," which is exactly what they did. Written by the Bee Gees, the song took Rogers and Parton to the top of both the country and the pop charts in 1983.

9

'All My Ex's Live in Texas'

Pining for four former flames (including one named 'Dimples') living in various cities throughout the Lone Star State, Strait sang this song all the way to No. 1 in 1987, right after his chart-topping hit about oceanfront property in Arizona. After leaving all his exes wondering of his whereabouts after breaking their hearts -- it's rumored he's passed away -- Strait reveals he's "alive and well in Tennessee."

8

'I'll Still Be Loving You'

No doubt played at countless weddings in the late '80s, this assurance of eternal bliss brought the band its first hit in the pop world in 1987. With promises of love "'til the sun doesn't shine" and "'til time stands still," this everlasting love song still finds a home on the airwaves today.

7

'Forever and Ever, Amen'

This 1987 Grammy winner about enduring love moves from youth to old age. Promising "forever" love 12 times throughout the song, the uptempo hit was a romantic backdrop for country line dances all across America.

6

'I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool'

This anthemic 1981 song, featuring guest vocals by George Jones, pays homage to Mandrell's country roots in an era when all her friends were "digging rock 'n' roll an' rhythm and blues." The second single off her 'Live' album, it's credited with helping her take home the trophy for Entertainer of the Year at the 1981 CMA Awards.

5

'When You Say Nothing at All'

This classic love ballad says that words aren't necessary between two people in love. Reaching No. 1 in 1988, less than six months before Whitley's untimely death from alcohol poisoning, it became a Top 5 hit for Alison Krauss and Union Station, who recorded it in 1994 as part of a Whitley tribute album. More recently, in 1999, Irish singer Ronan Keating brought it back to life in the UK, both releasing it as a single and performing it for the 'Notting Hill' soundtrack.

4

'Always on My Mind'

Recorded more than 300 times, by everyone from Elvis Presley to Fantasia Barrino, this 1982 song became one of Nelson's biggest hits. Admitting there were "little things I should have said and done," the song longs for someone whose "sweet love" may have already moved on.

3

'I Will Always Love You'

Written by Parton, and originally a hit in 1974, this 1982 remake captures the emotions of someone deeply in love but who realizes the relationship is ending. Recalling "bittersweet memories" while repeatedly promising to "always love you," the emotionally drenched song gained a new audience 10 years later when Whitney Houston recorded it for the blockbuster movie 'The Bodyguard,' in which she starred with Kevin Costner. Parton returned to the song for a third time three years later, recording it as a duet with Vince Gill.

2

'God Bless the USA'

The song, penned by Greenwood, became a Top 10 hit in 1984 and saw a huge resurgence after the devastating events of 9/11. Suddenly, the 17-year-old track became a mainstay on radio again, with Americans embracing its patriotic message as never before. The tune experienced yet another revival in 2003, when American troops invaded Iraq.

1

'He Stopped Loving Her Today'

In one of the most tragic love songs ever written, a lovelorn man who promised he would love a woman until he died managed to kept his oath -- loving her until "they placed a wreath upon his door." The song resonated with listeners and won a Grammy, an ACM Award and a CMA Award for Song of the Year in both 1980 and 1981.

What's Your Favorite Country Song of the '80s?

That's a pretty good start, but there are many, many more great country songs from the '80s we could have listed here. Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments section!

This list was compiled by Gayle Thompson, and revised by Christina Vinson.

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